Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical therapist assistants (PTA’s) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
PTA’s help physical therapists to provide treatment that improves patient mobility, relieves, pain, and/or prevents or lessens physical disabilities of patients. PTA’s help people of all ages who have medical problems, or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. For example, PTA’s might help patients exercise or learn to use crutches.
PTA’s must complete a 2-year associate's degree and are licensed, certified, or registered in most states.
Care provided by a PTA may include teaching patients/clients exercise for mobility, strength and coordination, training for activities such as walking with crutches, canes, or walkers, massage, and the use of physical agents and electrotherapy such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation.